Snail Mail Club FAQ

Editor’s Note: The Snail Mail Club is made possible with support from Presenting Sponsor Tandem Diabetes Care. Get connected with a pen pal below and find out more about Percy the Snail’s insulin pump here.

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How do I join the Snail Mail Club?

It’s easy! Simply head over to the Snail Mail page and fill out the form (with a parent’s help if you are under the age of 13), and make an optional donation of $10. We’ll take it from there and match you with a Pen Pal based on your answers. Once matched, you will receive an email telling you that you have a new T1D Pen Pal, and that your starter kit is on the way!

What comes in the Starter Kit?

The starter kit comes with everything you need to send your first four letters to your new Pen Pal (both domestic and international). You will receive an information sheet with your new pals details so you know a little about them.

In The United States you will receive:

4 cards and envelopes

1 sheet of fun stickers

1 notepad

I just got my Starter Kit, now what?

Woohoo! You are now ready to write your first letter to your new pen pal. Fill out the double sided “Hello” card with your information on the front, and write a note on the back! Then seal it inside one of the envelopes, write the name and address of your pen pal as well as your return address on the blank space provided, pop it in the mail with the correct postage, and wait excitedly for your first letter.

How long does it take to get a letter?

It will probably take a few weeks, depending on if your pen pal is domestic or international. Keep checking the mailbox!

What do I do if I don’t hear from pen pal?

If you have waited more than three weeks for your first letter, send us an email at snailmail@beyondtype1.org and we will check up on it for you!

Do I have to wait for a letter before I send another one?

Of course not! You can send your letters whenever you want.

What should I talk to my pen pal about?

You can of course talk about your life with Type 1- your diagnosis story, your frustrations or proud moments, tips on how you manage your T1D, what kind of devices you use, and if you know other people with Type 1 diabetes.

We also encourage you to think beyond that! What do you like to do in your free time? What hobbies and interests do you have? Where are your favorite places to go to have fun? What makes you unique and special? Do you have any pets? Any brothers or sisters? Have you been on a cool vacation recently? These are all questions you can answer and ask each other, but feel free to talk to them about whatever you want!

What can I send my pen pal?

Good question! You can send just about anything you want, as long as its legal! If you two want to just send each other letters, great! If you want to send photos, awesome! If you want to exchange books or something else you two both like, please do so! You can even send your Pen Pal a birthday or diaversary gift if you want! The sky is the limit here, so don’t hold back on sharing your life with your new buddy!

Can I use my own stationary?

Absolutely! Feel free to write and send whatever you would like — we encourage you to keep up the relationship even after the four starter cards have been used.